Rainbird vs Hunder Sprinkler Heads and Valves

When it comes to Rainbird vs. Hunter, which is better? This is a question that so many homeowners ask themselves in the spring in summer months. As the summers are slowly becoming longer and hotter, it means that lawns need more protection. Sprinkler systems must be reliable, well-built, and affordable, plus your lawn deserves the gold standard. Both Rainbird and Hunter are excellent sprinkler systems, but is there one that’s more reliable? We’re going to dive right into the considerations so your lawn can have the best irrigation system around!

Rainbird vs. Hunter Sprinkler Heads and Valves: Overview

Before jumping in and deciding what to purchase, it’s helpful to have a general lay down of Rainbird vs Hunter. Having some knowledge of both companies is going to help you out in choosing the best that’s going to be best for you.

Rainbird

The company has a wide variety of products on offer, and they are generally well-built and reliable. The Rainbird sprinkler system has just as many advantages as the Hunter sprinkler brand offers, and the warranty is quite comparable to Hunter’s warranty too. In general, you can feel rest assured that your lawn is going to be in good hands if you choose Rainbird as your sprinkling system.

Hunter

Commonly known as one of the most highly praised irrigation systems around, the Hunter sprinkler system is built to last. Your lawn will be well-watered each day, just proving that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Rainbird vs. Hunter Sprinkler Heads and Valves

There are very few differences between Rainbird vs Hunter. Since these two systems are so similar, it’s going to mostly depend on what works best for your lawn but also your budget.

Pricing

The cost of your irrigation system will depend on the features you choose to have. This can also include what needs to be installed and even what type of system you may be looking for. In general, Irrigation systems can be seen as a large investment. A large system could cost you up to $6,000, while a small system could run you as low as $1,000. While there isn’t a major price difference for Rainbird vs Hunter, you can expect that Rainbird will be slightly less expensive.

Durability

The Hunter brand is slightly more durable compared to Rainbird. This is due to the fact that they can handle a greater PSI. This is a very important factor for extreme weather, winterization, and water pressure. You’ll need to remember that the sprinkler heads sit in the ground, so they deal with extreme temperatures (whether it be hot or cold). Over time, plastic weakens due to this. You’re going to want something that has a higher PSI for winterization, so Hunter has the leg up.

Reliability

In terms of reliability for Rainbird vs. Hunter, both of these systems are well known within the industry. In fact, both of these brands have a reputation for being top-of-the-line. However, Hunter has a higher PSI which instantly means you’re going to have to worry less about it breaking down. Plus, numerous experts in the market have stated that the Red Bird system needs to have more repairs, such screws in the valve system getting stripped too quickly.

Controllers

In terms of controls, Rainbird seems to have a bad reputation as its controllers seem to be all over the place. Each system appears different; therefore, the programming is not the same. However, Hunter, they have only a few controllers, such as light commercial, commercial controllers, outdoor controllers, and residential controls. These four controllers look, operate, and are all programmed exactly the same.

Rotors

The Rainbird 5004 rotor is the most popular rotor head in the world thanks to it’s Rain Curtain technology.

Malfunction Rates

In the case of Hunter vs. Rainbird, you can count on both to be extremely reliable. But it’s important to note that Hunter has a low malfunction rate compared to Rainbird. So, this does make Hunter more reliable in this regard.

Ease of Use

No matter what type of system you want to have, it is vital that you should be able to easily understand and control the sprinkler. Hunter has fewer controls and programs for its irrigation system, so this could be an advantage. Rainbird does have more programs, so you could easily read their manual or even watch a YouTube tutorial. If you’re after something very simplistic, then Hunter is the best option, but if you’re fine with additional research, then Rainbird is a great choice.

Longevity

Rainbird has been in the market a lot longer than Hunter, and their technology remains consistent each time a new model is created. However, one of the downsides would be the fact that some of their materials are considered to be more fragile. Hunter may have the leg up on longevity as this brand focuses on having a stronger PSI.

Performance

For Hunter vs. Rainbird, which has the best performance? Well, it’s difficult to compare the performance of the two brands. They both offer smart drip irrigation, and they both allow you to control the amount of water you want to use. Ultimately, the performance would be considered the same for both Hunter and Rainbird.

FAQ

Rainbird vs. Hunter Sprinkler Heads and Valves: Which is Best for Your Lawn?

Overall, some lawns are going to work better with some irrigation systems compared to others. While Hunter does have easier controls and more durability, you simply can’t go wrong with either option!